DeKalb County Federal Drug Lawyer 

Finding out you are charged with a federal drug crime can be an overwhelming experience. Penalties for drug possession in Georgia vary depending on the type and amount of the controlled substance and whether it was intended for trafficking and distribution purposes. Each federal offense carries consequences that can impact your life if you are convicted, ranging from a temporary driver’s license revocation to extensive prison time.

An attorney with experience in federal drug crime defense cases could help you avoid a conviction and the ensuing ramifications. Working with a DeKalb County federal drug lawyer could give you peace of mind throughout the entire process and improve your chance of achieving the outcome you want in your case.

What is a Federal Drug Charge?

A federal drug charge concerns a narcotic-related criminal act considered illegal by the federal government. It is possible to be charged with the same drug crime on state and federal levels, a situation that could make the assistance of a DeKalb attorney crucial. Drug offenses that violate federal law include:

  • Drug manufacturing
  • Drug possession with intent to sell
  • Organized crime activities involving drugs
  • Drug trafficking, including importing and exporting

There are 43 levels of federal drug charges, all of which feature a base offense level regarding the crime type and severity. Drug crimes that result in other people’s injuries or deaths naturally feature higher base offense levels than unlawful drug activities that do not involve bodily harm.

Federal Drug Crime Sentencing Zones

If convicted, federal drug crimes fall into one of four zones whose determination depends on factors such as the nature of the crime and whether it was a first offense. If the crime falls into Zone A, the defendant faces zero to six months in prison. Crimes in the Zone B category result in one to 15 months in prison, while those in the Zone C category include 10 to 18 months in prison. If the crime is a Zone D offense, it comes with 15 months to life in prison. For example, if the defendant is convicted of trafficking Schedule I and II controlled substances such as methamphetamines, LSD, heroin, morphine, or cocaine, they would face five to 30 years in prison, and 10 to 40 years for any convictions thereafter.

A DeKalb County attorney’s job is to provide defenses that avoid or minimize the severity of federal controlled substance convictions. One common defense strategy would be the accused person’s ignorance, such as the argument that the defendant was not aware that they were transporting drugs.

Another defense would be entrapment, which would require the defense attorney to prove that the undercover police officer tried to “catch” the defendant in an illegal act using solicitation or similar means. If the behavior of the law enforcement officer can be proven illegal, the judge can nullify the case.

Let a DeKalb County Federal Drug Attorney Be Your Advocate

If you have been charged with drug trafficking or a related federal crime, do not hesitate to reach out to a dedicated attorney. A DeKalb County federal drug lawyer could work hard to overturn your charges so you can resume your normal life.

Contact our firm today and take the first step in formulating your defense. A qualified legal professional could help you navigate every step in your case and protect your rights in and out of court.